1. Standards Based Grading
“CLEARER STANDARDS HELP TO FOCUS LEARNING”
West Middle School 7th Grade Science

2. What is Standards Based Grading?
Way of assessing students based on completion of standards, not effort
All assignments in gradebook linked to individual standards
Classwork and labs focus on practice and self (informal)-evaluation rather than “getting the concept” quickly
Supported by Shimmons, Wormeli,
and Marzano(among others)

3. Pros to SBG Students can learn at their own pace
Student's grade is mostly linked to “checkpoints” for each standard
Students can reassess as often as necessary
Focuses student’s goal on learning the standard, not just “making the grade.”
2. Students continuously improve their learning
Students can reassess after meeting with the teacher
Students earn final grade, not an average of old and new.
3. Focuses on Growth Mindset Theory

4. Old System Vs SBG
Focuses on averages
Effort is rewarded in their grade with a large focus on homework
Students need to learn material by the chapter test
Focuses on final level of understanding at end of marking period
Grade is focused on level of understanding. Homework is used as tool to reach a high level of understanding
Students may reassess their checkpoints, following a process, as often as needed

5. Grading Policy Grade Breakdown: Standard 1: 14% Standard 2: 14%
Classwork/Labs: %
Common Assessment: 8%
100%
Students take a quiz, “checkpoint” after every standard (5-10 questions)
Graded on 10 point rubric (see next slide)
Each Checkpoint for quarter 1 is 14% of grade
Students may reassess using the double check form (see later slide)
Homework = 8%
Common Assessment = 8%
(no reassessment as this is the final week of school)

6. Double Check Students make arrangements with
teacher for reassessment after
filling out the form pictured
to the right.

7. Checkpoint Rubric
Students will be graded on this scale for every checkpoint

8. Impact for Students Students will: Become independent learners
Learn to reflect often
Become persistent learners
Understand the “growth mindset”
Increase communication and transparency

9. FAQ What is a standard? A topic the state expects students to learn
2. What is a checkpoint?
A form of assessment (quiz) used after every standard is taught. It is graded on a 10 point rubric.
3. How is a checkpoint different than the current test and quiz system?
Currently, tests and quizzes are worth many different values and may or may not be equal in the gradebook. Also, these tend to be final grades without the option of reassessment

10. FAQ continued 4. What is a double check?
A reassessment. Students can take as many double checks as needed. However, for each double check, students have an extensive checklist/form to complete. This list includes meeting with a teacher, providing evidence of studying, relooking at assignments etc.
5. If I do a double check, will my grades be averaged?
No, the most recent double check will replace the grade.

11. Questions? We are in this together!
Linda Klemz